Autism

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Introduction

autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. There is accumulating evidence for the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the development of autism and cannabinoids therefore have therapeutic potential. More studies and especially clinical trials should indicate the real potential of cannabinoids in the treatment of autism.

Alternative Names

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Asperger Syndrome (mild form of autism with relative preservation of cognitive skills)

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Literature Discussion

One study in healthy humans linked CB1 polymorphisms (small variations in a gene that are not directly linked to any particular deficit) to variations in the time people spent looking at happy faces (Chakrabarti and Baron-Cohen, 2011). As this ‘gaze duration’ is a measure for autism, the endocannabinoid system may be implicated in autistic behavior.

In another mouse model the human autism-associated R451C mutation of the neuroligin-3 gene was studied.

Neuroligin-3 was found to be specifically required for tonic- but not phasic endocannabinoid signaling (Földy et al., 2013), strengthening the association between autism and the endocannabinoid system.

In a rat model of autism (Valproic Acid model), GPR55, PPARα and PPARγ were reduced in several brain regions involved in higher cognitive functions (frontal cortex and hippocampus). Also, hippocampal Anandamide, OEA and PEA were increased after social exposure (Kerr et al., 2013) once more stipulating the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in autism.

It should be noted however, that no good rodent models exist for autism, and thus that these results should be treated with care.

Some descriptive studies have linked Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccination with increased risk of developing autism.

Although epidemiological studies do not support this link, acetaminophen/paracetamol which is often given to suppress mild fever after vaccination, might precipitate autism through abnormal activation of the endocannabinoid system.

The abnormal endocannabinoid system in turn may cause autism through immune dysregulation (Schultz, 2010).

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